What are co-ordination difficulties?

Co-ordination difficulties are also known as developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) or dyspraxia. Before it was recognised, children were labelled as clumsy. Children with co-ordination difficulties usually attend mainstream schools but have difficulty planning and carrying out movements. Things other children pick up quite easily, for example, running, jumping, throwing, catching, standing on one leg, riding a bike, getting dressed, holding a pencil and writing are more difficult to learn for children with co-ordination difficulties. Children may not be able to listen attentively or answer in the way you expect, and they may have difficulty remembering what they are supposed to be doing.

In some cases, DCD exists alongside other conditions like autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

Because of these difficulties, children may have low self-esteem and keep themselves to themselves. They may be bullied. They may try to avoid physical activities.
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The cause of co-ordination difficulties is not known, but it is thought to relate to ‘faulty wiring’ in the brain, with messages not getting through in the correct way. However, it is quite a common problem with between one to three children in every class of 30 affected. Just under three quarters are boys.
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How do I know if my child is affected?

You may suspect your child has co-ordination difficulties, as they may trip, fall or bump into things more frequently than other children. Your child's teacher may identify difficulties in PE, or other classroom tasks such as copying from the board and listening to instructions. Your child may have a formal diagnosis after assessment by an occupational therapist and paediatrician or psychologist.

While co-ordination difficulties cannot be cured, skills can be improved with practice. There are not many private services available specifically for children with co-ordination difficulties, and due to budget constraints,  NHS services must focus on those with the most severe needs. Waiting lists are long and some children may go without the extra support they would benefit from, or some may receive it too late. 
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What can I do if my child is affected?

If you think your child has co-ordination problems, you can ask your GP to refer you to your community occupational therapist for assessment. Waiting times vary depending on your area, but most are several months long. If you don't wish to wait, you can avail of one of Red Robin Therapy's assessment packages.

Red Robin Therapy Assessment Packages

If you are concerned about your child's co-ordination abilities, Red Robin Therapy offers two assessment packages to meet your child's needs:

Assessment Package One

Assessment Package Two

Assessment package one is a complete assessment package and includes the following:

1. ​Movement Assessment Battery for Children Second Edition (Movement ABC-2) which identifies motor impairment relating to manual dexterity, ball skills and balance.  
2. Test of Visual Motor Integration including visual perception and motor co-ordination which identifies impairment in hand-eye co-ordination. 
3. Clinical observations of gross and fine motor skills, scissor skills, drawing and writing abilities to 'fill out' the overall picture.
4. Full report of assessment findings. 
5. Treatment/intervention strategies ​including equipment for use at school and home.

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Assessment package two is a shorter assessment and includes the following:

1. ​Movement Assessment Battery for Children Second Edition (Movement ABC-2) which identifies motor impairment relating to manual dexterity, ball skills and balance.  
2. ​Report of assessment findings.

To find out more, please use the ​​​Contact RRT page to get in touch. 

Additional intervention

Depending on availability, Red Robin Therapy may be able to offer one-to-one sessions (following assessment) to work on motor and visual-perceptual skills, as well as self-care abilities. Please contact us for more information. 

​In addition, Red Robin Therapy offers:

• school liaison visits
• advice on sensory strategies
• recommendations for equipment for use at school and home* (included with Assessment Package One)

Location and parking

Assessment sessions take place at Just Active Gym, conveniently located at 120-122 Main Street, Larne, BT40 1RG. 

​On street parking is only available for up to one hour, so we recommend you use the nearby Agnew Street pay and display car park. You can park for up to 5 hours for £1, and It's only a couple of minute's walk from the car park to the gym.